Tuesday, May 30, 2017

MoMoCon Memorial Weekend

While the Renaissance Festival is still going (final weekend), something else happened to take all my time and attention.

May 25-28 here in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center and Omni Hotel, one of the many festivals and conventions took over.

Momo Con first began back in the early 2000's. Back then it was only a weekend long, two days. There entry was free, and it was a tiny affair. Now it's exploded into a four day event with dozens of guests and a warehouse full of vendors and artists.

This was my first year back in a while. I decided to go a different route and volunteer.

Volunteering at a Convention is a whole different experience. I was able to see things from a different perspective. All of the work that goes into setting up the whole affair, running the booths and competitions, keeping the con-attendees in line, security.... it's a mess! That runs like clockwork.

This one will be brief, due to the late hour, but expect more meat next week!

In the meantime, what are some cons you've been to? Any good stories?

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Renaissance Festival - Pirate Weekend Part One



Alas Alack! Alack Alas!

I forgot to take pictures on my day out! Well . . . I took two photos during the course of the day, and those will tie (hehehe) into my story.

Yesterday here at the Georgia Renaissance Festival it was the famed Pirate's Weekend!

I left the house around 9:45-10, reaching the faire grounds by 10:32 (a few minor mishaps along the route).

I was in light garb for the day, a borrowed peasant shirt with bodice and tie, my own blue gypsy skirt, and a pair of sandals given from a friend.

Scarcely a few feet into the faire and the unthinkable occurred.



I stumbled to the information desk. They had no help. Not eve the tape of Duct. They directed me towards the official Faire Gift Shop.

Alas, no tape of Duct there, either. They did have some packaging tape, which seemed as though it would last!

Not more than twenty feet away and....




(I know it's the same picture, but this was the actual moment I took it to send the friend I'd procured the foot wear from.)

My faithful companion went on the hunt for a (relatively) cheap shoe store, as I would now be forced to purchase foot wear. While trying to keep my spirits up I attempted to make the tape - er - tape. It was all to no avail.

My faithful companion returned with new of a cobbler! It would be a distance away, walking on my toe. I did not think I could make such a journey.

Then, out of nowhere, a Soothsayer approached! She asked if we'd like our fortunes read. I was at first skeptical, knowing that soothsayers were not easily trusted. And what did I know of Marigold Mayberry's Traveling Tarot? I told her we already had a misfortune today, showing the deceased footwear. With a slight frown she directed us towards a clothing shop close at hand who might have the tools to fix the flatwear. If not that, then a shop merely around the corner.

Hobbling my way over behind my companion we found no such help from the store. It seemed as though the day of fun was over. Until they reminded us of the little shop around the corner. Feeling as though all the luck in the world had vanished, we set our feet in that direction.

The shop was small, tiny compared to the others surrounding it. Hobbling in, the kind saleswoman took one look at the disaster that had once been a beautiful shoe and sat me down on a bench. Asking for the size which I wore, and after gaining the answer, she shod my foot in a shoe make of rope. I had balked at the idea of wearing rope on ones feet! It seemed a preposterous idea!

And yet....

As I stood up in the new pair of shoes, I felt as though I were walking on a cloud. My toes, which previously had been clinging to the straps of a sandals, were now free to flex and wiggle together. I was amazed at the transformation.

The kind saleswoman rang up my new shoes, for which I gladly gratefully, and graciously paid.

With the old, traitorous sandals clad in a bag, I walked out, able to stand once more on my own two feet.

The Adventure Will Continue . . .

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Clone Wars

What to write about today?

Honestly, it's been one heck of a mess. Work was great . . . until the last hour when all heck hit the fan. At least it was busy, right?

Glass half full.

I'm going to take a few paragraphs and discuss my current binge-worthy show on Netflix.

"Star Wars: The Clone Wars".

It is going to removed on the 7th, sadly, so I'm watching all that I can in the meantime. (Hoping to finish it all before it's gone forever.)

Each episode begins with a quote, a piece of advice that is used during the episode, and that should be taken into the viewer's personal life.

I've found each one to be something that I needed for the day. Even though I watch multiple episodes in one day they continue to be exactly what I need to hear.

The entire series takes place in between, "The Clone Wars" (duh), and "Revenge of the Sith". What I love most about this is you get more background info into all those cool Jedi we saw in the first few movies (the only really good thing about them...though I do love all the extra story we got too).

Discovering all those little things that were gradually tipping Anakin further towards the dark side, his secret marriage. One of the best things is each time he does this, you get a little of the "Vader Theme". The first time I heard it I got giddy with excitement.

Disregard that it's a 'cartoon'. This is perfect for all Star Wars fans, no matter what your age is.




(Also Emperor Palpatine - the devious little sith.)

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Master Builder

I've decided to take this week and briefly (as in a paragraphys, if that) discuss something that everyone loves. Or has at least played with temporarly.

LEGOS

There has been some point in any school course where you've had to use LEGOS for math. I can almost guarantee it. Whether its been for adding and subtracting, or multiplication and division, these little bricks can help with little kids learning their fractions.

They can also be used for music. Think about whole notes (the 4 dot blocks), half notes (2 dot blocks), ectra. It's a wonderful way to learn how to handle the notes on the page and read the sheet music.

Also - let's face it, who hasn't tried making their own massive pyramid before?













(Disclaimer: I found this pics using Google, I do not own the rights to any of them. No copyright infringement intended.)

What are some of the cool creations you've made with LEGO's before? Post a pic!

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

May Day

I know that May began yesterday, but I simply couldn't resist adding this little video to the May lineup.



With summer gearing up there are dozens festivals, outdoor concerts, and various theatre troupes getting ready for the masses.

While I would love to list all of them that are close to you, I don't know where my reader is hailing from. :)

The nearest city I'm close to is Atlanta. With that said, here are a few great conventions or festivals that you can find in the Peach state's capitol.

MoMoCon


This even first began back around 2005. It began with the Anime group at Georgia Tech. What first started out as a few rooms on the campus is now a large event which takes place at the Omni Hotel and Georgia World Congress Center. It began with free entry (which I loved!) and is now about $20 - $60 (depending on how many days you wanna be there). It's coming around at the end of May 24-28th. Great for anyone who loves cosplay and meeting their favorite voice actors.

Spirit of Sweet Auburn


Ever been down a 150-foot zipline? There's always a first time. Come down and enjoy the Southern hospatility. Good food. Great company. Haven't been yet myself, so little information.

Marietta Greek Festival


OPA! Come on down for authentic Greek food, entertainment, and shopping. Enjoy this cultural exchange and learn about those form the Isles. Make sure to come hungry.

Georgia Renaissance Festival



Turkey Legs! Knights in Armor! Pirates! Highlanders! King Henry! Musketeers! This is the place to be. Only open on the weekends, and Memorial Day from the end of April to June, this is not an event to be missed. There are various vendors who you can watch work at their craft. Entertaining shows with wit and acrobatics! Be prepared for a full day out, as it's an outdoor event. You can exit the park throughout the day and return. From 10:30 - 6, it's the best way to check out the Renaissance!

What are some of your favorite festivals? Places you love going to when the summer heat gets to be too much? Leave a comment. :)